533 Jobs That Pay Over $50K in California (2024)

There are 533 occupations in California with a median salary above $50K per year. The highest-paying is Chief Executives at $231,080/year. Based on 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024

$50K+ $75K+ $100K+ $150K+

533
Jobs Over $50K

$231,080

#1: Chief Executives

$91,520

Avg of Qualifying Jobs

9,363,060

Workers in These Jobs

All 533 Jobs Paying Over $50K in California

Ranked by median annual salary. Click any job to see the full salary breakdown.

#	Occupation	Median Salary	Mean Salary	Workers
1	Chief Executives	$231,080	$281,030	38,920
2	Family Medicine Physicians	$228,970	$251,640	15,480
3	Dermatologists	$226,050	$313,330	700
4	Emergency Medicine Physicians	$224,540	$212,300	7,130
5	Dentists, All Other Specialists	$219,790	$249,610	910
6	Computer and Information Systems Managers	$210,490	$217,030	98,430
7	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons	$205,390	$221,820	380
8	Pediatricians, General	$204,400	$208,670	4,350
9	Natural Sciences Managers	$198,580	$208,330	14,080
10	Architectural and Engineering Managers	$197,420	$201,480	35,630
11	Nurse Midwives	$189,770	$183,740	890
12	Podiatrists	$186,040	$187,750	850
13	Lawyers	$185,050	$213,860	94,300
14	Physicists	$178,700	$176,610	5,080
15	Computer and Information Research Scientists	$175,530	$187,420	7,560
16	Marketing Managers	$174,480	$192,730	59,830
17	Financial Managers	$169,780	$196,670	97,400
18	Computer Hardware Engineers	$169,700	$173,270	29,930
19	Software Developers	$168,660	$173,780	304,390
20	Managers, All Other	$168,600	$181,760	101,230
21	Dentists, General	$167,010	$181,720	18,820
22	Human Resources Managers	$166,920	$182,460	27,980
23	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives	$165,370	$161,180	8,890
24	Nurse Practitioners	$164,050	$161,540	21,740
25	Radiologists	$163,440	$261,020	2,400
26	Database Architects	$162,250	$162,660	6,120
27	Pharmacists	$160,950	$157,280	35,980
28	Air Traffic Controllers	$160,490	$150,060	2,490
29	Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$159,450	$168,700	300
30	Physician Assistants	$157,490	$153,960	12,880
31	Radiation Therapists	$156,310	$153,040	980
32	Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other	$155,150	$138,840	440
33	Compensation and Benefits Managers	$154,530	$166,620	2,990
34	Purchasing Managers	$153,510	$159,470	7,540
35	Public Relations Managers	$150,500	$170,470	9,580
36	Training and Development Managers	$149,990	$168,130	6,140
37	Electronics Engineers, Except Computer	$145,080	$150,490	19,060
38	Computer Network Architects	$144,980	$153,300	17,560
39	Psychologists, All Other	$143,350	$134,360	1,370
40	Mathematicians	$141,290	$131,560	250
41	Geography Teachers, Postsecondary	$140,370	$153,210	390
42	Advertising and Promotions Managers	$140,360	$175,080	2,880
43	Nuclear Medicine Technologists	$139,970	$144,490	1,370
44	Medical and Health Services Managers	$139,430	$156,140	57,310
45	Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$139,150	$152,390	3,330
46	Electrical Engineers	$139,140	$147,340	28,170
47	Astronomers	$138,970	$145,560	220
48	Economics Teachers, Postsecondary	$137,540	$158,130	980
49	Industrial-Organizational Psychologists	$137,480	$136,300	240
50	First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers	$136,040	$134,690	6,310
51	Animal Scientists	$135,730	$129,670	130
52	Information Security Analysts	$135,250	$140,730	16,510
53	Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators	$135,160	$114,010	2,570
54	Communications Teachers, Postsecondary	$134,920	$144,610	2,710
55	Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary	$134,480	$141,370	29,380
56	Petroleum Engineers	$134,330	$139,840	1,550
57	Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers	$134,320	$126,110	2,080
58	Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers	$134,090	$127,130	990
59	Optometrists	$134,020	$137,330	6,190
60	Registered Nurses	$133,990	$137,690	332,560
61	Life Scientists, All Other	$133,930	$136,250	1,250
62	Data Scientists	$133,690	$140,490	33,220
63	Genetic Counselors	$133,470	$138,540	370
64	Sales Engineers	$133,060	$146,590	8,910
65	Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary	$132,760	$133,430	1,180
66	Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary	$132,570	$133,220	2,600
67	Veterinarians	$132,360	$158,610	7,690
68	Sales Managers	$131,740	$152,030	113,910
69	Aerospace Engineers	$130,720	$143,050	11,130
70	Art Directors	$130,610	$148,060	11,340
71	Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary	$130,610	$141,870	70
72	Special Effects Artists and Animators	$130,460	$133,610	13,470
73	Materials Scientists	$130,260	$135,150	790
74	Fundraising Managers	$129,480	$154,200	4,510
75	Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers	$129,400	$132,750	32,940
76	Industrial Production Managers	$128,890	$140,130	24,590
77	Engineers, All Other	$128,620	$136,040	31,490
78	Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists	$128,320	$129,330	22,520
79	Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$128,080	$141,290	4,120
80	Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors	$127,990	$128,560	2,230
81	Biochemists and Biophysicists	$127,940	$137,360	6,170
82	Web and Digital Interface Designers	$127,760	$137,180	25,370
83	Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary	$127,390	$134,610	820
84	Physical Scientists, All Other	$126,910	$139,210	2,470
85	Clinical and Counseling Psychologists	$126,450	$132,410	11,840
86	Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary	$126,280	$134,780	1,140
87	Education Administrators, Postsecondary	$125,990	$140,700	13,920
88	Statisticians	$125,860	$129,290	2,800
89	Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$125,770	$142,000	1,730
90	Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary	$125,700	$136,390	1,990
91	Physics Teachers, Postsecondary	$125,440	$134,610	1,490
92	Construction Managers	$124,690	$129,690	36,950
93	Computer Systems Analysts	$124,370	$129,420	49,930
94	Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$124,290	$132,900	3,950
95	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products	$123,930	$135,140	36,010
96	Marine Engineers and Naval Architects	$123,920	$129,180	260
97	Computer Occupations, All Other	$123,570	$126,640	91,510
98	Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$123,200	$136,970	540
99	Mechanical Engineers	$122,550	$126,600	27,420
100	General and Operations Managers	$122,140	$155,170	273,630
101	Actuaries	$120,650	$128,060	870
102	Dental Hygienists	$120,640	$118,330	24,880
103	Neurologists	$120,000	$194,000	870
104	Political Scientists	$119,320	$127,460	200
105	Law Teachers, Postsecondary	$119,150	$126,550	1,930
106	Diagnostic Medical Sonographers	$119,120	$122,670	8,600
107	Materials Engineers	$118,270	$123,110	3,100
108	Emergency Management Directors	$118,240	$131,580	790
109	Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$117,080	$130,730	680
110	Gas Plant Operators	$116,400	$111,140	750
111	Commercial Divers	$115,890	$134,310	N/A
112	Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	$115,840	$130,620	1,160
113	Physical Therapists	$115,550	$114,270	24,200
114	First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers	$115,400	$117,790	4,560
115	Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists	$115,360	$114,680	3,320
116	Detectives and Criminal Investigators	$115,090	$115,910	10,980
117	Motion Picture Projectionists	$114,910	$96,590	290
118	Atmospheric and Space Scientists	$114,900	$118,580	710
119	Computer Programmers	$114,780	$124,660	20,680
120	Sociologists	$114,410	$115,330	840
121	Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers	$113,460	$111,770	68,010
122	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	$113,050	$114,570	1,710
123	Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	$112,410	$111,960	9,000
124	Occupational Therapists	$112,390	$113,550	12,470
125	Hydrologists	$112,350	$120,010	800
126	Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	$112,230	$128,010	2,110
127	Database Administrators	$112,170	$116,380	8,070
128	Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$112,070	$121,140	160
129	Environmental Engineers	$111,970	$118,320	5,910
130	Web Developers	$111,910	$121,490	10,590
131	Industrial Engineers	$111,770	$120,960	24,640
132	Boilermakers	$111,320	$101,380	280
133	English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$111,200	$126,830	3,980
134	Chemical Engineers	$110,920	$120,230	1,550
135	Administrative Services Managers	$110,750	$124,500	37,990
136	Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other	$110,260	$121,900	1,690
137	Biological Scientists, All Other	$110,150	$121,410	16,590
138	Facilities Managers	$110,080	$120,850	18,010
139	Power Distributors and Dispatchers	$109,740	$123,240	980
140	Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$109,500	$121,400	1,250
141	Speech-Language Pathologists	$109,470	$112,030	17,270
142	Financial Risk Specialists	$109,160	$120,920	4,860
143	Financial and Investment Analysts	$109,080	$125,220	35,660
144	Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary	$109,000	$123,720	660
145	Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers	$108,950	$118,090	2,780
146	Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers	$108,230	$113,530	1,460
147	Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	$108,160	$130,950	10,460
148	Project Management Specialists	$107,980	$117,410	114,640
149	Business Teachers, Postsecondary	$107,750	$123,400	5,580
150	Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	$107,680	$127,860	9,570
151	Commercial Pilots	$107,370	$154,340	5,130
152	School Psychologists	$106,790	$109,830	11,150
153	Network and Computer Systems Administrators	$106,450	$114,770	29,130
154	Economists	$105,950	$133,790	1,570
155	Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners	$105,640	$98,380	1,840
156	Audiologists	$105,560	$106,580	1,380
157	Labor Relations Specialists	$105,560	$110,950	8,060
158	Producers and Directors	$105,080	$132,990	44,740
159	Civil Engineers	$105,040	$115,100	49,010
160	Urban and Regional Planners	$104,910	$107,920	7,330
161	Pile Driver Operators	$104,870	$98,640	590
162	Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$104,770	$128,400	1,870
163	Insulation Workers, Mechanical	$104,640	$103,380	500
164	Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists	$104,540	$102,230	13,420
165	Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers	$104,410	$101,190	3,680
166	Personal Financial Advisors	$103,330	$143,240	32,100
167	Chemical Plant and System Operators	$103,300	$96,920	270
168	Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes	$103,290	$136,450	5,660
169	Surveyors	$102,650	$105,290	4,520
170	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists	$102,580	$105,530	14,400
171	Microbiologists	$102,570	$110,660	3,120
172	Radiologic Technologists and Technicians	$102,230	$103,150	19,670
173	Special Education Teachers, Secondary School	$101,920	$105,270	13,430
174	Gambling Managers	$101,880	$116,360	790
175	Broadcast Technicians	$101,780	$105,030	7,790
176	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$101,540	$105,540	92,830
177	Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance	$101,420	$99,520	N/A
178	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers	$101,240	$119,250	30,930
179	Respiratory Therapists	$101,200	$103,060	15,480
180	Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers	$100,930	$108,330	4,260
181	Financial Examiners	$100,400	$109,660	3,230
182	Technical Writers	$100,370	$109,380	5,990
183	Architects, Except Landscape and Naval	$100,090	$120,780	15,370
184	Budget Analysts	$99,920	$102,990	4,770
185	Management Analysts	$99,800	$119,370	110,430
186	Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary	$99,730	$109,490	5,970
187	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$99,430	$95,860	52,710
188	Epidemiologists	$99,340	$102,390	1,200
189	Farm and Home Management Educators	$99,240	$89,840	240
190	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School	$98,860	$102,820	2,110
191	Cartographers and Photogrammetrists	$98,810	$100,870	1,140
192	Power Plant Operators	$97,970	$102,660	2,600
193	Construction and Building Inspectors	$97,750	$96,460	12,850
194	History Teachers, Postsecondary	$97,390	$114,820	2,770
195	Chemists	$97,210	$105,560	9,940
196	Geographers	$96,970	$99,060	110
197	Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other	$96,940	$113,410	2,830
198	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education	$96,700	$93,880	151,820
199	Fire Inspectors and Investigators	$96,400	$98,480	860
200	Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary	$96,260	$102,000	2,030
201	Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other	$96,160	$103,680	3,060
202	Education Administrators, All Other	$95,990	$121,110	10,730
203	Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health	$95,890	$102,350	12,590
204	Instructional Coordinators	$95,810	$97,770	18,340
205	Special Education Teachers, Middle School	$95,380	$94,040	7,240
206	Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars	$95,080	$101,030	2,780
207	Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education	$94,580	$93,510	6,500
208	Writers and Authors	$94,440	$108,640	8,820
209	Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary	$94,240	$94,530	5,990
210	Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door	$93,960	$92,680	4,370
211	Correctional Officers and Jailers	$93,160	$88,550	33,740
212	Recreational Therapists	$93,080	$89,660	1,730
213	Signal and Track Switch Repairers	$92,970	$92,840	460
214	Agricultural Engineers	$92,620	$100,990	N/A
215	Orthotists and Prosthetists	$92,390	$93,130	1,000
216	Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians	$92,360	$93,670	1,530
217	Postmasters and Mail Superintendents	$92,340	$93,890	790
218	Landscape Architects	$92,170	$96,570	2,850
219	Accountants and Auditors	$92,160	$100,560	166,020
220	Fish and Game Wardens	$92,140	$89,020	280
221	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers	$92,060	$96,170	72,120
222	News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists	$90,770	$130,570	4,920
223	Special Education Teachers, All Other	$90,700	$90,790	7,390
224	Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors	$90,510	$95,720	2,060
225	Logisticians	$89,940	$94,310	29,940
226	Healthcare Social Workers	$89,800	$93,200	19,660
227	Forensic Science Technicians	$89,610	$98,400	2,390
228	Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists	$89,320	$98,910	330
229	Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School	$89,270	$89,560	19,870
230	Editors	$88,100	$103,380	16,090
231	Artists and Related Workers, All Other	$88,000	$95,300	830
232	Food Scientists and Technologists	$87,390	$89,810	3,300
233	Historians	$87,210	$92,750	140
234	Avionics Technicians	$85,320	$89,710	1,880
235	Compliance Officers	$84,990	$92,840	49,320
236	First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers	$84,980	$97,600	19,150
237	Librarians and Media Collections Specialists	$84,800	$90,930	8,680
238	Dietitians and Nutritionists	$84,690	$84,560	9,940
239	Riggers	$84,390	$88,430	2,150
240	Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists	$84,300	$91,090	1,620
241	Commercial and Industrial Designers	$84,190	$94,350	4,980
242	Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$84,090	$98,910	4,810
243	Foresters	$83,930	$85,410	930
244	Motorboat Operators	$83,930	$81,330	120
245	Business Operations Specialists, All Other	$83,610	$102,840	164,560
246	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers	$83,490	$91,680	52,830
247	Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists	$83,090	$100,040	113,630
248	Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists	$82,870	$93,550	13,970
249	Operations Research Analysts	$82,870	$92,150	20,100
250	Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers	$82,760	$80,920	880
251	Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers	$82,620	$78,440	11,050
252	Film and Video Editors	$82,600	$101,600	10,280
253	Property Appraisers and Assessors	$82,590	$90,310	5,160
254	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	$82,350	$88,480	32,690
255	Insurance Underwriters	$82,150	$93,220	6,960
256	Designers, All Other	$82,010	$91,340	2,530
257	Bailiffs	$81,920	$85,770	50
258	Cost Estimators	$81,910	$91,360	25,850
259	Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	$81,890	$86,090	790
260	Set and Exhibit Designers	$81,740	$85,530	2,930
261	Soil and Plant Scientists	$81,720	$91,630	1,710
262	Special Education Teachers, Preschool	$81,530	$82,820	1,880
263	Credit Analysts	$81,220	$99,220	6,260
264	Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians	$80,850	$89,780	4,590
265	Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants	$80,840	$86,300	60,490
266	Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage	$80,830	$82,930	610
267	Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$80,660	$85,060	15,900
268	Occupational Therapy Assistants	$80,360	$79,560	2,760
269	Firefighters	$80,330	$87,890	27,750
270	Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians	$80,280	$81,730	12,660
271	Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators	$80,120	$84,170	24,880
272	Human Resources Specialists	$79,870	$90,110	96,920
273	Media and Communication Workers, All Other	$79,810	$121,760	9,710
274	Physical Therapist Assistants	$79,630	$77,700	8,230
275	Teachers and Instructors, All Other	$79,620	$85,230	25,590
276	Conservation Scientists	$79,550	$85,850	1,840
277	Nuclear Technicians	$79,350	$84,400	N/A
278	Flight Attendants	$79,130	$84,540	15,360
279	Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators	$79,130	$81,510	10,620
280	Music Directors and Composers	$79,070	$115,420	2,120
281	Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other	$78,910	$82,530	9,930
282	Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$78,780	$81,170	6,460
283	Mechanical Drafters	$78,610	$83,650	4,170
284	Social and Community Service Managers	$78,580	$89,480	28,260
285	Financial Specialists, All Other	$78,500	$92,960	14,790
286	Surgical Technologists	$78,400	$76,170	11,100
287	Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers	$78,330	$84,540	4,270
288	Cooks, Private Household	$77,960	$65,570	70
289	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$77,750	$80,640	3,350
290	Buyers and Purchasing Agents	$77,720	$84,510	47,150
291	Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors	$77,640	$85,820	41,380
292	Electricians	$77,470	$84,330	72,880
293	Acupuncturists	$77,390	$83,340	2,420
294	Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators	$77,240	$72,880	840
295	Curators	$77,230	$83,940	1,230
296	Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians	$77,140	$89,150	2,280
297	Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters	$77,010	$74,020	230
298	Pipelayers	$76,900	$73,710	1,750
299	Sheet Metal Workers	$76,860	$86,090	10,280
300	Therapists, All Other	$76,860	$89,710	930
301	Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators	$76,840	$84,320	1,760
302	Structural Iron and Steel Workers	$76,760	$77,870	7,730
303	Interior Designers	$76,300	$81,570	8,590
304	Public Relations Specialists	$76,280	$87,770	29,520
305	Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel	$76,230	$93,120	125,850
306	Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents	$76,230	$101,090	56,820
307	Computer Network Support Specialists	$76,120	$83,940	13,400
308	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers	$75,920	$79,040	2,980
309	Communications Equipment Operators, All Other	$75,910	$71,660	50
310	Fundraisers	$75,680	$81,430	10,050
311	Funeral Home Managers	$75,660	$92,780	790
312	Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses	$75,610	$76,580	79,150
313	Real Estate Brokers	$75,430	$99,280	N/A
314	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$75,240	$84,930	8,480
315	Paralegals and Legal Assistants	$75,140	$79,210	39,220
316	Computer User Support Specialists	$75,110	$79,950	67,630
317	Public Safety Telecommunicators	$75,070	$76,570	8,190
318	Clergy	$75,060	$83,270	6,360
319	Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling	$74,980	$93,220	8,240
320	Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	$74,820	$80,840	19,560
321	Transportation Inspectors	$74,780	$85,560	1,900
322	Locomotive Engineers	$74,740	$68,880	1,630
323	Lodging Managers	$74,660	$85,640	6,220
324	Graphic Designers	$74,360	$79,850	29,460
325	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers	$74,310	$79,440	49,820
326	Statistical Assistants	$74,140	$73,140	290
327	Choreographers	$74,030	$70,970	1,240
328	Legal Support Workers, All Other	$74,030	$83,990	7,070
329	Model Makers, Metal and Plastic	$73,960	$78,270	330
330	Wind Turbine Service Technicians	$73,940	$94,320	330
331	Electrical and Electronics Drafters	$73,900	$76,420	3,160
332	Hearing Aid Specialists	$73,680	$70,510	890
333	Subway and Streetcar Operators	$73,600	$73,210	1,770
334	Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers	$73,580	$70,600	890
335	Lighting Technicians	$73,480	$82,070	3,590
336	Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$73,420	$77,560	4,210
337	Loan Officers	$73,380	$89,010	30,520
338	Fallers	$72,810	$87,760	440
339	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products	$72,580	$84,360	142,330
340	Surveying and Mapping Technicians	$72,490	$74,620	4,440
341	Athletic Trainers	$72,370	$72,840	1,760
342	Health Education Specialists	$72,280	$76,460	9,260
343	Anthropologists and Archeologists	$71,950	$76,930	1,270
344	Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other	$71,510	$73,690	13,040
345	Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers	$71,450	$81,330	17,520
346	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers	$71,300	$75,600	163,250
347	Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers	$71,110	$73,470	13,890
348	Survey Researchers	$71,060	$74,520	1,110
349	Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels	$70,780	$91,300	1,750
350	Costume Attendants	$70,740	$70,390	2,070
351	Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents	$70,280	$76,390	7,840
352	Farm Labor Contractors	$70,260	$68,130	200
353	Training and Development Specialists	$70,120	$79,240	43,810
354	Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers	$69,560	$84,990	50,100
355	Plant and System Operators, All Other	$69,350	$73,570	1,280
356	First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other	$69,010	$74,780	2,140
357	Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	$68,970	$69,850	26,370
358	Desktop Publishers	$68,880	$71,450	540
359	Tapers	$68,840	$71,120	3,980
360	Craft Artists	$68,700	$86,680	480
361	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	$68,440	$73,250	6,360
362	Carpenters	$68,380	$73,370	102,870
363	Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other	$68,320	$78,560	2,160
364	Meter Readers, Utilities	$68,300	$71,970	1,030
365	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other	$68,260	$83,820	4,070
366	Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas	$68,160	$69,330	370
367	Architectural and Civil Drafters	$67,990	$74,390	13,350
368	Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film	$67,950	$81,230	5,900
369	Food Service Managers	$67,740	$71,970	44,500
370	Brickmasons and Blockmasons	$67,200	$67,330	3,140
371	Medical Equipment Repairers	$66,810	$78,190	5,470
372	Industrial Machinery Mechanics	$66,670	$71,190	28,450
373	Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians	$66,610	$73,560	26,960
374	Judicial Law Clerks	$66,590	$68,630	1,550
375	Traffic Technicians	$66,460	$73,390	500
376	Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$66,190	$73,100	1,340
377	Parking Enforcement Workers	$66,140	$65,850	1,340
378	Proofreaders and Copy Markers	$66,110	$65,730	440
379	Tool and Die Makers	$66,090	$69,570	1,820
380	Personal Service Managers, All Other	$66,040	$75,720	2,120
381	Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity	$65,970	$65,540	35,960
382	Child, Family, and School Social Workers	$65,840	$69,340	48,190
383	Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians	$65,840	$86,030	750
384	Floor Sanders and Finishers	$65,750	$66,130	N/A
385	Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other	$65,570	$68,560	1,700
386	Psychiatric Technicians	$65,200	$64,820	9,650
387	Tax Preparers	$64,950	$70,740	13,250
388	Hydrologic Technicians	$64,810	$69,950	330
389	Millwrights	$64,800	$68,950	1,510
390	Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters	$64,760	$71,550	1,360
391	Photographers	$64,740	$75,510	8,100
392	Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining	$64,550	$76,960	670
393	Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic	$64,410	$67,410	540
394	Paramedics	$64,400	$69,870	5,370
395	Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers	$64,390	$75,060	30,920
396	Brokerage Clerks	$64,350	$66,960	6,380
397	First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers	$64,340	$67,380	3,430
398	Social Science Research Assistants	$64,220	$73,610	3,440
399	Interpreters and Translators	$64,000	$69,930	7,210
400	Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers	$63,890	$76,000	2,360
401	Social Workers, All Other	$63,680	$72,320	7,470
402	Airfield Operations Specialists	$63,430	$71,640	1,200
403	Insurance Sales Agents	$63,400	$89,230	39,610
404	Advertising Sales Agents	$63,350	$82,820	8,590
405	Stonemasons	$63,350	$63,930	1,510
406	Roofers	$63,290	$69,000	18,920
407	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	$62,990	$75,300	42,480
408	Rail Car Repairers	$62,880	$63,220	970
409	Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers	$62,790	$60,560	230
410	Real Estate Sales Agents	$62,760	$72,870	20,400
411	Directors, Religious Activities and Education	$62,730	$76,850	3,930
412	Biological Technicians	$62,680	$67,270	11,790
413	Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers	$62,640	$68,190	8,660
414	Credit Counselors	$62,430	$66,050	2,470
415	Legislators	$62,380	$86,890	2,120
416	Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic	$62,320	$68,510	110
417	Wellhead Pumpers	$62,260	$100,670	110
418	Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners	$62,250	$69,280	16,600
419	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers	$62,230	$70,050	35,630
420	Maintenance Workers, Machinery	$62,190	$65,850	3,700
421	Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers	$62,160	$68,870	28,890
422	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School	$62,120	$66,880	110
423	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	$62,040	$66,480	66,540
424	Embalmers	$61,910	$63,090	420
425	Tree Trimmers and Pruners	$61,910	$65,420	7,460
426	Glaziers	$61,880	$71,680	7,360
427	Archivists	$61,770	$70,590	870
428	Animal Control Workers	$61,710	$62,670	1,010
429	Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers	$61,650	$65,680	4,210
430	Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics	$61,610	$61,420	55,730
431	Postal Service Clerks	$61,610	$62,000	6,770
432	Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers	$61,440	$66,110	2,400
433	Sound Engineering Technicians	$61,410	$83,340	6,060
434	Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians	$61,190	$61,360	1,380
435	Plasterers and Stucco Masons	$61,190	$65,500	7,490
436	Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs	$61,050	$61,270	29,040
437	Audio and Video Technicians	$61,030	$72,300	9,680
438	Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers	$60,960	$63,750	1,080
439	Chefs and Head Cooks	$60,930	$67,150	27,460
440	Continuous Mining Machine Operators	$60,910	$66,200	1,010
441	Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other	$60,910	$67,010	29,120
442	Museum Technicians and Conservators	$60,830	$63,650	1,610
443	Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians	$60,720	$56,900	1,510
444	Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare	$60,620	$72,990	8,140
445	Calibration Technologists and Technicians	$60,550	$66,740	1,120
446	Postal Service Mail Carriers	$60,440	$60,820	32,800
447	Logging Equipment Operators	$60,360	$61,580	1,000
448	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks	$60,180	$63,020	58,030
449	Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks	$60,170	$61,710	23,660
450	Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall	$60,080	$65,950	1,310
451	Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants	$60,060	$65,660	21,910
452	Medical Equipment Preparers	$59,960	$61,780	7,750
453	Crane and Tower Operators	$59,940	$66,850	2,720
454	Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas	$59,820	$63,200	1,120
455	Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers	$59,820	$57,910	1,220
456	Locksmiths and Safe Repairers	$59,590	$62,620	2,180
457	Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas	$59,560	$61,980	3,870
458	Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors	$59,500	$60,920	12,700
459	Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles	$59,430	$63,650	6,240
460	First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers	$59,380	$63,720	15,310
461	Court, Municipal, and License Clerks	$59,310	$62,000	13,380
462	Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders	$59,050	$60,040	240
463	Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers	$58,810	$62,080	1,890
464	Machinists	$58,740	$60,280	20,500
465	Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health	$58,640	$68,680	5,390
466	Roustabouts, Oil and Gas	$58,550	$64,500	760
467	Forest and Conservation Technicians	$58,510	$60,780	6,010
468	Automotive Body and Related Repairers	$58,420	$60,570	15,620
469	Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas	$58,400	$57,530	490
470	Mechanical Door Repairers	$58,380	$58,320	2,360
471	Tile and Stone Setters	$58,220	$59,890	7,230
472	Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators	$58,120	$71,090	10,590
473	Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	$58,080	$66,970	54,660
474	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers	$58,030	$58,270	204,190
475	Rock Splitters, Quarry	$58,030	$57,850	170
476	Helpers--Extraction Workers	$58,000	$55,630	340
477	Chemical Technicians	$57,890	$61,230	7,560
478	Painters, Construction and Maintenance	$57,590	$61,020	34,080
479	Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders	$57,460	$62,310	10,250
480	Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	$57,140	$65,720	1,670
481	First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers	$57,060	$60,090	9,400
482	Construction Laborers	$56,720	$61,710	89,950
483	Opticians, Dispensing	$56,610	$59,960	8,100
484	Occupational Health and Safety Technicians	$56,330	$65,470	3,750
485	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers	$56,100	$59,170	28,300
486	Bridge and Lock Tenders	$56,060	$63,540	70
487	Private Detectives and Investigators	$56,010	$63,880	4,290
488	Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors	$55,840	$61,340	39,470
489	Highway Maintenance Workers	$55,520	$60,220	7,320
490	Paperhangers	$55,450	$60,120	N/A
491	Bus Drivers, School	$55,380	$54,300	16,970
492	Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators	$55,190	$56,410	130
493	Telephone Operators	$55,140	$56,680	440
494	First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers	$54,880	$57,930	17,240
495	Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators	$54,790	$57,640	12,340
496	Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other	$54,690	$62,390	22,380
497	Substitute Teachers, Short-Term	$54,270	$56,240	72,710
498	Veterinary Technologists and Technicians	$54,190	$55,740	9,320
499	Watch and Clock Repairers	$54,070	$57,020	N/A
500	Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks	$53,980	$56,650	165,360
501	Medical Records Specialists	$53,740	$64,070	20,000
502	Carpet Installers	$53,640	$55,910	2,290
503	First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers	$53,620	$60,830	9,480
504	Information and Record Clerks, All Other	$53,360	$55,950	22,870
505	Solar Photovoltaic Installers	$53,190	$56,700	7,610
506	Word Processors and Typists	$53,020	$50,770	9,280
507	Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters	$52,870	$55,850	2,670
508	Financial Clerks, All Other	$52,600	$56,990	5,140
509	Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping	$52,500	$54,830	14,120
510	Community Health Workers	$52,460	$57,860	8,730
511	Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers	$52,460	$57,260	2,830
512	Marriage and Family Therapists	$52,230	$69,780	30,890
513	Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$52,020	$53,880	350
514	Cargo and Freight Agents	$51,450	$57,210	15,480
515	Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$51,290	$56,500	1,400
516	Maintenance and Repair Workers, General	$50,920	$56,830	132,580
517	Sailors and Marine Oilers	$50,870	$61,580	1,580
518	Travel Agents	$50,790	$56,720	5,680
519	First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers	$50,760	$54,670	8,630
520	Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians	$50,680	$56,000	4,010
521	Procurement Clerks	$50,680	$53,370	6,760
522	Sales and Related Workers, All Other	$50,640	$65,520	35,410
523	Motorcycle Mechanics	$50,600	$54,270	1,630
524	Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators	$50,580	$51,310	850
525	Helpers--Roofers	$50,560	$50,580	820
526	Food Science Technicians	$50,330	$54,540	4,130
527	Billing and Posting Clerks	$50,320	$53,330	49,350
528	Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other	$50,280	$56,180	15,940
529	Loan Interviewers and Clerks	$50,240	$54,330	16,840
530	Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders	$50,220	$56,180	4,840
531	Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive	$50,220	$53,630	175,090
532	Healthcare Support Workers, All Other	$50,130	$55,190	17,530
533	Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers	$50,090	$53,320	890

Aiming for a $50K+ Career in California?

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California High-Salary Insights

The $50K+ jobs in California are concentrated in Healthcare Practitioners, Management, and Legal fields.

67.8% of all tracked occupations in CA earn a median salary above $50K. The entry point for this group is $50,090/year (Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers), while the top earner makes $231,080/year.

California ranks #2 among all 50 states for the number of $50K+ jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many jobs pay over $50K a year in California?

According to 2024 BLS data, there are 533 occupations in California with a median annual salary above $50K. This represents 67.8% of all tracked occupations in CA.

What is the highest paying job in California?

The highest paying occupation in California is Chief Executives with a median salary of $231,080 per year based on 2024 BLS OEWS data.

What is the minimum salary to be on the $50K+ list in California?

The entry point for the $50K+ list in California is $50,090/year (Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers). Any occupation with a median salary above $50K qualifies for this list.

What is the average salary of $50K+ jobs in California?

The average median salary among all 533 occupations that pay over $50K in California is $91,520 per year (2024 data).

How can I get a job that pays over $50K in California?

High-paying jobs in California typically require specialized education, certifications, or significant experience. Common fields include healthcare, technology, management, and engineering. Investing in relevant skills through certifications and advanced degrees can help you reach the $50K+ salary range. Check individual job pages for specific requirements.

Jobs Over $50K in Other States

These are gross salaries. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is lower.

More Salary Data for California

Highest Paying Jobs in California · Average Salary in California · All California Jobs

Data Source & Methodology

This list includes all occupations with BLS-published state-level median salary data above $50K per year. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 estimates. See our Methodology page for details.

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics